Employees Work-Life Balance Management in High-Intensity Startup Environment Companies

The modern workplace has seen a growing emphasis on achieving work-life balance to enhance well-being, productivity, and satisfaction among employees. Startups, in particular, face unique challenges in maintaining this balance due to their fast-paced and intensive work environments. While some startups have implemented practices to support work-life balance, many still struggle to create boundaries between work and personal life. This research aims to explore work-life balance practices among startup employees in Russia, focusing on St. Petersburg and Moscow. Drawing from the Job Demands-Resources model, the Psychological Contract theory, and the Boundary Theory, this study uses qualitative research methods to gather insights from 10 startup managers on their experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to work-life balance. The interviews were analyzed using the coding method and thematic analysis. Results include insights into the specifics of high workloads, team communication, and practices of maintaining work-life balance. This research provides valuable recommendations for improving work-life practices in Russian startups, ultimately enhancing employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall success in these organizations. They include specifics of work-life balance in startups, such as days off, flexible working hours, close communication, etc. Moreover, there is theoretical value for the research area in reformulating the work-life balance definition for startups specifically. By focusing on the holistic well-being of employees and emphasizing work-life balance, startups can create a positive work culture that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.